The FAI held fire last night on a lengthy Athlone Town statement that claimed the club had been subjected to a "witch hunt" over match fixing allegations.

Club bosses have lashed out by claiming the investigating and disciplinary processes are "deeply flawed" with the "basic human rights, civil liberties, and natural justice to which each and every person is entitled" ignored.

FAI chiefs announced last week that charges had been brought against "members of Athlone Town" for allegedly bringing the game into disrepute, manipulating matches and betting-gambling.

The PFAI has said it has been asked to represent two players in the matter who deny all wrong-doing.

But the Athlone board have responded with a strongly-worded missive, expressing "disappointment and anger" with the way the club has been treated since the allegations came to light.

The midlanders insist those allegations "have brought an unprecedented and highly negative level of international and national media attention" to the club.

That statement continues: "The club, which denies any wrongdoing, has at all times indicated its willingness to cooperate fully with the process initiated by UEFA and investigated by the FAI.

"The club has done so honestly, and in an open and transparent fashion.

"In the club's opinion the process has descended into a witch hunt rather than a probe to establish the truth.

"The club has repeatedly stated its firm view that the investigation should have been a matter for An Garda Síochána or another police authority.

"This is because we believe the FAI lacks the investigative abilities or resources to enable it to find evidence (if any existed), to support the most serious of allegations being made against the club."